Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are hazardous chemicals that were once widely used in various industries before their production was banned or restricted. These toxic substances can still be found in older building materials, electrical equipment, and certain industrial fluids.
School buildings, including college campuses in Raleigh, may still contain PCBs in old fixtures and materials, posing risks to children and educators. The CDC warns that PCBs accumulate in the body over time, leading to health issues. A Raleigh PCB exposure lawyer can help you understand your options if affected.
If you or a loved one have faced health problems due to PCB exposure at work or school, reach out to Whitley Law Firm. Our family wants to take care of your family. Contact a Raleigh Poe Hall toxic chemicals lawyer for a consultation.
Recognizing the Risks of PCBs
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) have posed significant health risks since their commercial introduction in 1929. Initially, there were no regulations on their production or use.
The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) of 1979 eventually prohibited intentional PCB production, but older products containing PCBs remain a concern.
A Raleigh premises liability lawyer can assist those affected by PCB exposure in these outdated materials.
For a free legal consultation with a pcb exposure lawyer serving Raleigh, call (800)785-5000
The Dangers of PCBs in Schools
PCBs pose significant risks, especially in school environments where younger people spend much of their time. Their impact on health can be severe and long-lasting. Consulting a Raleigh personal injury lawyer can help you understand your options if you’ve been affected.
Key health risks from PCB exposure:
- Prolonged exposure: PCBs remain in school and university settings, leading to continuous exposure. This can cause significant accumulation in children’s bodies, potentially resulting in severe health issues over time.
- Hormonal disruption: PCBs can interfere with hormonal balance and neurological development, affecting learning, behavior, and overall growth in students.
- Cancer risk: Long-term PCB exposure increases the likelihood of developing cancer, with children being particularly vulnerable to these environmental toxins.
- Environmental spread: PCBs can migrate from building materials into the air and onto surfaces, making it difficult to control exposure and increasing the risk of indirect contact.
- Sensitive populations: Children with pre-existing health conditions or those in critical developmental stages are at higher risk from PCB exposure.
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Common Sources of PCB Contamination
PCBs, due to their historical use and environmental persistence, are found in many places. An attorney can help you understand the potential risks and take appropriate action if you’ve been exposed.
PCBs are often present in:
- Old electrical equipment: Many pre-ban transformers and capacitors contain PCB insulating fluids.
- Industrial locations: Contamination can persist in the soil and water at former manufacturing and chemical sites.
- Building materials: Older buildings may have PCB-laden caulking, paints, sealants, and plastics.
- Natural environment: PCBs accumulate in soil, sediments, and water bodies through industrial releases and improper disposal.
- Food chain: PCBs bioaccumulate, especially in fish and seafood, with higher concentrations in top predators.
- Consumer goods: Items like carbonless copy paper, pigments, and lubricants produced before the ban may still contain PCBs.
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Impact of PCBs on Health and the Environment
PCBs pose serious risks to both people and wildlife. These harmful chemicals can become airborne or leach into the environment from degrading products. Spills and leaks during storage or disposal also release PCBs, contaminating soil, water, and air.
A Raleigh PCB exposure lawyer can help those affected by PCB exposure understand their legal options.
Environmental and Health Hazards
Once released, PCBs can settle in soil and water, spreading contamination. This impacts humans, wildlife, domestic animals, and marine life, with young children being particularly vulnerable.
Exposure to PCBs is linked to various health issues, including:
- Liver damage
- Neurological disorders
- Skin irritations
- Immunological damage
- Thyroid and metabolic changes
- Reproductive effects in both males and females
- Birth defects or disorders
- Ocular changes
- Various types of cancer
Persistent Environmental Contamination
PCBs are highly persistent and do not easily break down in the environment or the body. Contaminated areas may require extensive cleanup and monitoring, and some sites may remain unusable for decades.
Seeking legal guidance from a personal injury lawyer can help affected individuals pursue justice and necessary remediation.
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Holding Monsanto Responsible for PCB Contamination
From the 1930s until the 1970s ban, Monsanto was the main producer of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Another company, Geneva Industries in Houston, TX, briefly manufactured PCBs for heat transfer applications between 1972 and 1974.
Monsanto has faced numerous lawsuits for its role in PCB production. These legal actions claim Monsanto knew about the health and environmental risks but continued to sell PCBs. Government entities and individuals have sought remediation for the resulting contamination and health issues.
In addition to lawsuits by government entities, many individuals have filed claims for occupational exposure to PCBs. These cases highlight the ongoing health risks and environmental damage caused by PCBs, with victims seeking justice and support for their suffering.
Potential Recovery in PCB Claims
Filing a PCB claim can help recover both economic and non-economic damages, such as:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Physical suffering
- Lost working capacity
- Psychological distress
Seeking Justice
Our compassionate attorneys are ready to discuss your legal options in a private consultation. Filing a PCB lawsuit not only seeks justice for your personal losses but also holds Monsanto accountable for their actions. Let us help you take the next step toward recovery and justice.
Whitley Law Firm Will Fight for You
PCB exposure can seriously impact health, especially for kids in school or young adults on college campuses. If you or a loved one has been affected, getting legal help is important. A Raleigh PCB exposure lawyer can explain your rights and options.
At Whitley Law Firm, we promise to always return your call in less than 24 hours. Our team will help you through the legal steps and work to hold those responsible accountable.
Let Whitley Law Firm help. We understand what you’re going through and are here to support you. Taking legal action can help protect your loved ones and get justice for the harm caused by PCB exposure. Reach out to us today to see how we can help.
Call (800)785-5000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
